Thus it came about that the _indunas_ of the Umpondwana took backSihamba to be their chieftainess with all powers, and with her Suzanneas her equal in rule, and this their act was confirmed that same day bya great council of the tribe. So that evening Suzanne, mounted on the_schimmel_, rode down the ranks of the Red Kaffirs, while they shoutedtheir farewells to her. Then having parted with Sigwe, who almost weptat her going, she passed with Sihamba, the lad Zinti, and a great herdof cattle--her tithe of the spoil--to the mountain Umpondwana, where allthe tribe were waiting to receive them. They rode up to the flanks ofthe mountain, and through the narrow pass and the red wall of rockto the tableland upon its top, where stood the chief's huts and thecattle-kraal, and here they found the people gathered.
"Give us a blessing," these cried. "Grant to us that rain may fall."
Sihamba spoke with Suzanne and answered:
"My people, I have entreated of the White Swallow, and for your sake shewill pray that rain may fall ere long."
Now Sihamba knew the signs of the water, and as it happened rain beganto fall that night in torrents, and fell for three days almost withoutceasing, washing the sickness away with it. So the Umpondwana blessedthe name of Sihamba and the White Swallow, and these two ruled over themwithout question, life and death hanging upon their words.
And there, a chieftainess among savages, Suzanne was fated to dwell formore than two long years.